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McAlester shocks Deer Creek

Deer Creek's defense couldn't corral McAlester quarterback Caden Pratt all night. But the 5-6, 140-pound Pratt made the biggest play of the game on special teams in the Buffaloes' 35-27 upset of the second-ranked Antlers.

Deer Creek's Conner Farnham walks the sidelines during a high school football playoff game at Deer Creek, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

EDMOND — Deer Creek's defense couldn't corral McAlester quarterback Caden Pratt all night. But the 5-6, 140-pound Pratt made the biggest play of the game on special teams in the Buffaloes' 35-27 upset of the second-ranked Antlers.

With less than four minutes left in the Class 5A quarterfinal game, Pratt blocked Dillon Noble's extra point attempt that would have tied the score at 28. It was Noble's first miss in 71 extra-point attempts this season.

“I just happened to fit through the crease,” Pratt said. “It hit off my head. I knew it was game over after that.”

It actually wasn't over yet. Pratt scored on a 32-yard run less than two minutes later to give the Buffaloes a 35-27 lead, but Deer Creek could still tie the game with a touchdown and 2-point conversion.

The Antlers got the ball on their own 37 with 2 minutes left. They made one first down but then faced fourth and seven at the McAlester 40. Quarterback Joel Blumenthal was stopped short of a first down at the 37 by defensive back Mason Bumphus and then it was over.

“I couldn't be more proud of our team,” McAlester coach Bryan Pratt said. “We've been through a lot, starting out 0-3 and having our starting quarterback gone for the season. We went out and played really well tonight.”

His son Caden moved from receiver to quarterback after Week 1. Pratt, who had 1,600 yards rushing before Friday night, eluded Deer Creek defenders much of the night. He finished with 146 yards on the ground and completed 12 of 16 passes for 148 yards and 3 touchdowns.

McAlester had 298 yards of total offense in the first half in building a 21-14 lead.

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by Ed Godfrey

Copy Editor, Outdoors Editor, Rodeo, River Sports Reporter

Ed Godfrey was born in Muskogee and raised in Stigler. He has worked at The Oklahoman for 25 years. During that time, he has worked a myriad of beats for The Oklahoman including both the federal and county courthouse in Oklahoma City for more...